Temperature-controlled receiving tunnel

ABSTRACT

Examples provide an adjustable, temperature-controlled receiving tunnel for receiving after-hours delivery of pallets or other items and/or providing temporary overflow storage of items. The receiving tunnel includes a set of cooling units and drop-down bulkheads creating temperature-controlled storage zones within the receiving tunnel. A guidance system provides instructions to a delivery truck driver connecting to the receiving tunnel. An extension device enables the tunnel to connect to a delivery truck which is unaligned with the end of the receiving tunnel. An autonomous pallet jack can autonomously move pallets from the delivery truck storage area into the interior of the receiving tunnel. A set of doors associated with the receiving tunnel can be locked or unlocked providing a pass-through tunnel into a receiving facility storage area for transport of pallets from the delivery truck into the storage area of the receiving facility.

BACKGROUND

Stores receive truck delivery of supplies and products at differenthours and days of the week. These deliveries sometimes includetemperature-sensitive items, such as, but not limited to, frozen foods,dairy products and produce. These items require refrigeration duringtransport and storage. However, some stores can only accept deliveriesduring the stores open hours of operation. When the store is closed,there may be no personnel available to accept delivery and/or placeddelivered items into a temperature-controlled storage within the store.This can result in limited delivery schedules, inefficient resourceutilization and/or inconvenience to delivery drivers that have torestrict deliveries to a stores open hours.

SUMMARY

Some examples provide a temperature-controlled receiving tunnel. A setof cooling devices associated with the top member configured to adjustan internal temperature of an interior compartment within a main body ofthe receiving tunnel. A set of adjustable bulkheads associated with thetop member include at least one adjustable bulkhead that drops down tocreate a set of temperature-controlled zones within the interiorcompartment. A control device includes a processor communicativelycoupled to a memory. A temperature manager component analyzes dynamictruck delivery data and ambient temperature data to generate a predictedcooling time and a cooling initiation time. The predicted cooling timeincludes an estimated quantity of time after cooling initiation to reacha target temperature for a set of pallets within a selected zone in theset of temperature-controlled zones. A door is associated with the firstend of the main body. A docking device is associated with the first endof the main body. The docking device is configured to connect to an endof a delivery truck. An autonomous pallet loader is associated with theinterior compartment to move a set of pallets from a storage area withinthe delivery truck connected to the collapsible docking device into atleast one temperature-controlled zone within the interior compartment ofthe main body.

Other examples provide a temperature-controlled receiving tunnel. A setof cooling devices associated with a top member of thetemperature-controlled receiving tunnel is configured to adjust aninternal temperature of an interior compartment within the interiorcompartment. A control device includes at least one processorcommunicatively coupled to a memory. A temperature manager componentanalyzes dynamic truck delivery data and ambient temperature data togenerate a predicted cooling time and a cooling initiation time. Thepredicted cooling time comprising an estimated quantity of time aftercooling initiation to reach a target temperature for a set of palletswithin a selected zone in a set of temperature-controlled zones within areceiving tunnel. A set of sensor devices associated with an interiorcompartment of the receiving tunnel. A guidance system analyzes sensordata associated with a location of the end of the delivery truck andoutputs instructions assisting a driver of the delivery truck withconnecting to the collapsible docking device. An adjustable dockingdevice is associated with a first end of the main body. The adjustabledocking device connects to an end of a delivery truck associated with anunloading door of the delivery truck. The adjustable docking deviceconnects the receiving tunnel with the delivery truck.

Still other examples provide a receiving tunnel. A main body of thereceiving tunnel includes a first end, a second end, a first sidemember, a second side member, a top member, and a floor member. A set ofcooling devices associated with the top member is configured to adjustan internal temperature of an interior compartment within the main body.A set of adjustable bulkheads is associated with the top member. Anadjustable bulkhead in the set of adjustable bulkheads drops down tocreate a set of temperature-controlled zones within the interiorcompartment. A docking device is associated with first end of the mainbody. The docking device is configured to connect to an end of adelivery truck. A pneumatic lift is configured to self-level at least aportion of the main body based on a height of the delivery truck. A setof sensor devices associated with the interior compartment generatessensor data associated with at least one item within the main body. Afirst aperture associated with the first end of the main body connectsthe interior compartment of the receiving tunnel with an interiorstorage area of the delivery truck.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subjectmatter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a system providing aset of adjustable temperature-controlled receiving tunnels.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating atemperature-controlled receiving tunnel.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating atemperature-controlled receiving tunnel including a set oftemperature-controlled zones.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a control device.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a temperature managercomponent.

FIG. 6 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating atemperature-controlled receiving tunnel including a docking device.

FIG. 7 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a delivery truckconnected to a receiving tunnel via a docking device.

FIG. 8 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a receiving tunnelhaving a side door and platform connected to a delivery truck via adocking device.

FIG. 9 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a receiving tunnelincluding a set of bulkheads separating a set of temperature-controlledzones.

FIG. 10 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a receiving tunnelincluding an extension device for connecting to an unaligned deliverytruck at a receiving facility.

FIG. 11 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a system for anadjustable temperature-controlled receiving tunnel.

FIG. 12 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a set of sensordevices associated with a temperature-controlled receiving tunnel.

FIG. 13 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating operation of the controldevice to manage cooling of temperature-controlled zones.

FIG. 14 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating operation of thecomputing device to generate docking instructions to assist a driverwith docking to the receiving tunnel.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A more detailed understanding can be obtained from the followingdescription, presented by way of example, in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings. The entities, connections, arrangements, and thelike that are depicted in, and in connection with the various figures,are presented by way of example and not by way of limitation. As such,any and all statements or other indications as to what a particularfigure depicts, what a particular element or entity in a particularfigure is or has, and any and all similar statements, that can inisolation and out of context be read as absolute and therefore limiting,can only properly be read as being constructively preceded by a clausesuch as “In at least some examples, . . . ” For brevity and clarity ofpresentation, this implied leading clause is not repeated ad nauseum.

Referring to the figures, examples of the disclosure enable atemperature-controlled receiving tunnel. In some examples, thetemperature-controlled receiving tunnel is portable and providestemporary storage of items and/or a pass-through tunnel leading into astorage area of a receiving facility. The receiving trailer enablesafter-hours access to a portable storage location for drop-off ofdeliveries/pallets by a third-party, such as a delivery truck driver,without permitting the third-party access to the interior of thereceiving facility while the facility is closed/unmanned. This improvessecurity while providing increased flexibility for delivery ofitems/pallets to the facility.

The receiving trailer in other examples includes a set oftemperature-controlled (refrigerated/freezer) zones. This enablesproducts stored in the receiving truck to be kept at the correct storagetemperature for frozen, chilled, or ambient temperature items.

FIG. 1 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a system 100 providinga set of adjustable temperature-controlled receiving tunnels. In thisexample, the set of adjustable temperature-controlled receiving tunnelsincludes a first receiving tunnel 102 and a second receiving tunnel 104providing temporary storage for a receiving facility 106.

In this example, the receiving facility 106 includes a first door 108providing access into a storage area 110 associated with the firstreceiving tunnel 102 when open. A second door 112 is associated with thesecond receiving tunnel 104 provides access into the storage area 110when open. In other examples, the receiving facility 106 can include asingle door, as well as three or more doors providing access into one ormore storage areas.

In this example, a first delivery truck 114 connects to one end of thereceiving tunnel 102 via a docking device 116. The docking device 116connects to the back end of the delivery truck associated with thecargo/storage area storing one or more item(s) 118, such as, but notlimited to, a set of pallets. The other side of the docking device 116connects to the back end of the receiving tunnel associated with a doorproviding access to an interior compartment of the receiving tunnelproviding storage space for the item(s) 118. In some examples, thedocking device provides an accordion dock seal to compensate for dockslope and angle of the backing in delivery truck trailer.

The item(s) 118 can be moved into the receiving tunnel 102 for storageor the item(s) 118 can be moved through the receiving tunnel anddirectly into the storage area 110 of the receiving facility via thedoor 108 on the receiving facility 106.

In this example, another delivery truck 120 can connect to the secondreceiving tunnel 104 via a second docking device 122 associated with thereceiving tunnel 104. The item(s) 124 can be temporarily stored insidethe temperature-controlled interior of the receiving tunnel 104 ortransported through the receiving tunnel 104 directly into the storagearea 110.

In some non-limiting examples, the docking device is collapsible. Thedocking device can expand during connection with the delivery truck andfold or collapse (accordion-style) when the docking device is not inuse.

In this example, two delivery trucks are able to unload pallets into theset of two receiving tunnels simultaneously. In other examples, a singledelivery truck unloads items into a single receiving tunnel. In stillother examples, three or more delivery trucks can unload itemssimultaneously into three or more receiving tunnels simultaneously. Inother words, if there are four receiving tunnels associated with thereceiving facility, then four delivery trucks can unload pallets intothe set of receiving tunnels simultaneously.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating atemperature-controlled receiving tunnel 200. The temperature-controlledreceiving tunnel 200 includes a main body 202 having a first end 204, asecond end 206, a side member 208, and a second side member 210. Thereceiving tunnel includes a door 212 in the first end 204, a door 216 inthe second end 206 and a side door 214 in the side member 210. Each ofthe doors can include a lock, such as, but not limited to, the lock 218in the second end 206.

The lock 218 can be implemented as a key lock, a coded lock, a biometriclock, a combination lock, a key card lock, or any other type of lock. Abiometric lock can include a lock which is opened using fingerprint,facial recognition, retinal scan, voice recognition or any other type ofbiometrics. The lock in other examples can be opened by a user deviceassociated with the driver, such as a cellular telephone or a tabletcomputing device.

In this example, a delivery truck 114 connects to thetemperature-controlled receiving tunnel 200 via a docking device 116.When the back door of the delivery truck is open and the door 212 in theend 204 of the receiving tunnel is open it creates an opening/aperturebetween the interior of the delivery truck storage area and the interiorof the receiving truck through the docking device 116. This enables thepallet(s) 220 or other items inside the delivery truck to be movedsmoothly into the interior of the temperature-controlled receivingtunnel 200.

In some examples, a pneumatic lift 222 adjusts the height 224 of thereceiving tunnel to self-level at least a portion of the main body 202and/or the floor member 225 based on the height of the delivery truck,such as, but not limited to, the delivery truck 114 and/or the deliverytruck 120. The pneumatic lift 222 is utilized during the initial dockingprocedure to connect the delivery truck 114 to thetemperature-controlled receiving tunnel 200. In other words, thereceiving tunnel self-levels based on trailer height with one or moreelectrically operated pneumatic lifts.

In another example, the door 216 of the receiving tunnel is opened andthe door 226 of the receiving facility 106 is opened to create anaperture between the interior of the temperature-controlled receivingtunnel 200 and the interior of the receiving facility 106. The openingenables items within the receiving tunnel to be moved into the receivingfacility 106.

In another example, an extension device 230 enables thetemperature-controlled receiving tunnel 200 to connect to a deliverytruck which is not aligned with the door 212 in the receiving end 204 ofthe receiving tunnel. In some examples, the extension device 230 is aflexible extension device including a turntable configured to rotatewithin a one-hundred- and twenty-degree range. The extension device 230can connect an end of the delivery truck 120 while it is unaligned withthe first end of the main body of the receiving tunnel. The first end ofthe main body can also be referred to as the first end of the receivingtunnel. In one example, the extension device 230 can connect to thedelivery truck while it is parked perpendicular to the receiving tunnelor parallel to another delivery truck connected to the door 212.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating atemperature-controlled receiving tunnel 200 including a set oftemperature-controlled zones. The main body 202 of the receiving tunnelin this non-limiting example includes a set of one or more zones 302,including at least one temperature-controlled zone 304 storing one ormore item(s) 118. A set of one or more adjustable bulkheads 306 and aset of one or more cooling devices 308 associated with a top member 310of the temperature-controlled receiving tunnel 200 creates the set ofzones 302 within the interior compartment 312 of the receiving tunnel.

In some examples, a bulkhead in the set of adjustable bulkheads 306 isan autonomous bulkheads. The autonomous bulkhead drops downwardautomatically after all items/pallets for a selected zone are placed inthe selected zone. The system can determine all items/pallets have beenplaced in a zone based on weight of the items/pallets, camera images(image data) of the items/pallets in the zone, sensor data (scanner datagenerated by scanning item/pallet barcodes) and/or input from a userindicating all items/pallets have been placed. After unloading all ofthe items into one temperature-controlled zone, at least one bulkheadautomatically drops-down from the ceiling/top member. The bulkheadadjusts to segregate the freight/pallets inside the selected zone withmotorized pulleys and cables.

In one example, the delivery truck driver pulls a rope at bottom and thebulkhead(s) nest up at the ceiling. The driver can release the rope andpully to drop-down the bulkhead(s). The bulkheads can also slide forwardor back along a track to adjust the size of each zone. In other words,the size of the temperature-controlled zones are adjustable andcustomizable based on the number of pallets/amount of space required toaccommodate the items/pallets to be placed in each zone.

In some examples, the temperature-controlled receiving tunnel 200includes a set of one or more sensor devices 314 generating sensor data316 associated with the item(s) 118 within the interior compartment 312.In other words, as items are placed inside the temperature-controlledreceiving tunnel 200, the set of sensor devices 314 scans the items. Thesensor data 316 is analyzes to identify the pallets/items placed intothe receiving tunnel, update inventory records for items inside thereceiving tunnel, etc.

In some examples, the set of sensor devices 314 optionally includeslight detection and ranging (LIDAR) externally to the receiving trailer,LIDAR internally to the receiving trailer, one or more temperaturesensors, one or more hygrometers (humidity sensors), one or morebiometric sensors, BLUETOOTH®, Wi-Fi, near-field communication (NFC),simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM), one or more cameras,machine vision, alarm system(s), motion detection, barcode scanners, orany other type of sensor devices.

In some examples, a door 212 in the receiving end 204 of thetemperature-controlled receiving tunnel 200 can be opened to create anaperture permitting access with the interior compartment 312. Theitem(s) are moved through the aperture 318 from a delivery truck intothe temperature-controlled receiving tunnel 200.

An autonomous pallet loader 320 can optionally be included inside thetemperature-controlled receiving tunnel 200. The autonomous palletloader 320 automatically moves pallets or other items off the deliverytruck and into the temperature-controlled receiving tunnel 200.

In still other examples, the side member 210 of thetemperature-controlled receiving tunnel 200 can include a side door 214and a platform 322 enabling the driver of the delivery truck or otheruser to enter the interior compartment 312 of the temperature-controlledreceiving tunnel 200 via the door 214. The door 214 can include a lock,such as the lock 218. The lock can be a keyed lock, a biometric lock, acoded lock, or any other type of lock.

The temperature-controlled receiving tunnel 200 can optionally alsoinclude a control device 324. The control device 324 includes acomputing device for controlling the cooling units, adjusting internaltemperature within each zone, etc.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a control device 324.In the example of FIG. 1, the control device 324 represents any deviceexecuting computer-executable instructions 402 (e.g., as applicationprograms, operating system functionality, or both) to implement theoperations and functionality associated with the control device 324.

In some examples, the control device 324 has at least one processor 404and a memory 406. The control device 324 in other examples includes auser interface component 408.

The processor 404 includes any quantity of processing units and isprogrammed to execute the computer-executable instructions 402. Thecomputer-executable instructions 402 is performed by the processor 404,performed by multiple processors within the control device 324 orperformed by a processor external to the receiving tunnel. In someexamples, the processor 404 is programmed to execute instructions suchas those illustrated in the figures (e.g., FIG. 13 and FIG. 14).

The control device 324 further has one or more computer-readable mediasuch as the memory 406. The memory 406 includes any quantity of mediaassociated with or accessible by the control device 324. The memory 406in these examples is internal to the control device 324 (as shown inFIG. 4). In other examples, the memory 406 is external to the receivingtunnel (not shown) or both (not shown).

The memory 406 stores data, such as one or more applications. Theapplications, when executed by the processor 404, operate to performfunctionality on the receiving tunnel. The applications can communicatewith counterpart applications or services such as web servicesaccessible via a network. In an example, the applications representdownloaded client-side applications that correspond to server-sideservices executing in a cloud.

In other examples, the user interface component 408 includes a graphicscard for displaying data to the user and receiving data from the user.The user interface component 408 can also include computer-executableinstructions (e.g., a driver) for operating the graphics card. Further,the user interface component 408 can include a display (e.g., a touchscreen display or natural user interface) and/or computer-executableinstructions (e.g., a driver) for operating the display. The userinterface component 408 can also include one or more of the following toprovide data to the user or receive data from the user: speakers, asound card, a camera, a microphone, a vibration motor, one or moreaccelerometers, a BLUETOOTH® brand communication module, globalpositioning system (GPS) hardware, and a photoreceptive light sensor.

In some examples, the receiving tunnel optionally includes acommunications interface component 410. The communications interfacecomponent 410 includes a network interface card and/orcomputer-executable instructions (e.g., a driver) for operating thenetwork interface card. Communication between the receiving tunnel andother devices, such as a cloud server, delivery truck, cloud storage oruser device can occur using any protocol or mechanism over any wired orwireless connection. In some examples, the communications interfacecomponent 410 is operable with short range communication technologiessuch as by using NFC tags.

The receiving tunnel can optionally include a data storage device 412for storing data, such as, but not limited to delivery data 414,temperature data 416 and/or inventory data 418. The delivery data 414includes data associated with one or more expected delivery trucks. Thedelivery data 414 can include estimated arrival time of a deliverytruck, shipment invoice data, GPS data associated with an expecteddelivery truck, date, and time of expected truck arrival, etc.

The temperature data 416 can include current temperature outside thereceiving tunnel (ambient temperature), current temperature inside thereceiving tunnel, weather forecast (predicted future temperature),humidity outside the receiving tunnel, humidity inside the receivingtunnel, etc.

The inventory data 418 includes data associated with inventory of adelivery truck, inventory of a receiving facility and/or inventory ofitems inside the receiving tunnel. The system can update the inventorydata 418 in real-time as items are loaded into the receiving tunneland/or as items are removed from the receiving tunnel. The system canalso update the inventory data 418 in real-time as items are moved fromthe receiving tunnel into the receiving facility.

The data storage device 412 can include one or more different types ofdata storage devices, such as, for example, one or more rotating disksdrives, one or more solid state drives (SSDs), and/or any other type ofdata storage device. The data storage device 412 in some non-limitingexamples includes a redundant array of independent disks (RAID) array.In other examples, the data storage device 412 includes a database.

The data storage device 412 in this example is included within thecontrol device or otherwise associated with the receiving tunnel. Inother examples, the data storage device 412 includes a remote datastorage accessed by the control device via a network, such as a remotedata storage device, a data storage in a remote data center, or a cloudstorage.

The memory 406 in some examples stores one or more computer-executablecomponents executed by the processor 404, such as, but not limited to,the temperature manager component 420.

The temperature manager component 420 in some examples analyzes dynamictruck delivery data 414 and ambient temperature data 416 to generateper-zone cooling instructions 422 for each zone in the set oftemperature-controlled zones within the receiving tunnel. The per-zonecooling instructions include a predicted cooling time and/or a coolinginitiation time. The predicted cooling time includes an estimatedquantity of time (time-period) after cooling initiation to reach atarget temperature for a set of pallets within a selected zone in theset of temperature-controlled zones. The cooling initiation time is thetime at which a set of cooling units associated with atemperature-controlled zone are turned on to begin cooling the spacewithin the selected zone.

In some examples, a guidance system 424 analyzes sensor data associatedwith a location 426 of the end of the delivery truck and outputsinstructions 428 assisting a driver of the delivery truck withconnecting to the docking device.

An access component 430 in some examples can automatically unlock 432 adoor associated with a receiving facility to enable access to aninterior storage area within the receiving facility to initiateautonomous unload 434 a set of items from the receiving tunnel into thereceiving facility. In other words, the access component initiates andassist automatic transfer of pallets from the receiving tunnel into thereceiving facility.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a temperature managercomponent 420. The temperature manager component 420 in some examplesgenerates a per-zone target temperature 502 for a selected zone in theset of temperature-controlled zones within the receiving tunnel. Thetarget temperature is the temperature at which items within a zoneshould be stored. For example, if ice cream which is going to be placedinto the selected zone should be stored at thirty-two degreesFahrenheit, the per-zone target temperature 502 for the selected zone504 is thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature manager component420 calculates a predicted cooling time 506 to bring the interiortemperature of the selected zone to the target temperature by theexpected delivery time of the ice cream shipment (expected ice creamarrival time).

The predicted cooling time 506 can include the estimated coolingduration 508 and the cooling initiation time 510. The estimated coolingduration 508 is the amount of time it is expected to take for the set ofcooling units to lower the temperature within the selected zone to thetarget temperature. Based on temperature on outside of the receivingtunnel and how long it takes to cool the inside of the receiving tunnel,the system turns on the cooling units automatically to prepare thereceiving tunnel to the target (correct) temperature when a deliveryarrives. In one example, the receiving tunnel turns on the cooling unitone hour prior to the expected arrival of a shipment if the expectedcooling duration to reach the target temperature is an hour.

The cooling initiation time 510 is the time at which the cooling unit(s)should be turned on so that the interior temperature of the selectedzone will be at the target temperature when the items are placed intothe selected zone. In other words, the predicted cooling time includesan estimated quantity of time 538 (time-period) after cooling initiationto reach a target temperature for a set of pallets within a selectedzone in the set of temperature-controlled zones.

The temperature manager component 420 determines the predicted coolingtime 506 based on temperature data 416 and dynamic truck delivery data414. The dynamic truck delivery data 414 can include the currentlocation 512 of a delivery truck, delivery schedule(s) 514 and/orinvoice data 516, including inventory 518 of the delivery truck,inventory of the receiving tunnel and/or inventory of the receivingfacility.

The temperature data 416 can include ambient temperature 520 outside thereceiving tunnel and/or interior temperature 522 inside the receivingtunnel. The temperature data can also include humidity data. The ambienttemperature can influence cooling duration. For example, it can takelonger to cool the interior of a receiving tunnel during the summer inTexas than it would in North Dakota where the temperature in summer islower than it is further South.

A map generation component 524 generates a load map 526 organizingplacement of items within an interior compartment of the receivingtunnel for prioritized unloading based on delivery schedules, deliveryinventory, and/or perpetual inventory 530 of a receiving facilityassociated with the receiving tunnel. The load map 526 provides aplacement configuration 528 for placement of items within the interiorcompartment of the receiving tunnel. The load map indicates location ofeach pallet in the tunnel and order/sequence in which pallets are loadedor unloaded off the receiving tunnel. In one example, the automaticpallet loader determines best way to unload product into differenttemperature zones based on the load map and configuration.

An inventory component 532 performs an update 536 of perpetual inventory530 (system inventory) associated with a receiving facility and/or thereceiving tunnel. The perpetual inventory is updated to include a set ofitems 534 unloaded off the delivery truck and placed within thereceiving tunnel.

FIG. 6 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating atemperature-controlled receiving tunnel 200 including a docking device116. An aperture 608 is created when the back door of thetemperature-controlled receiving tunnel 200 is open. A user can accessthe interior of the temperature-controlled receiving tunnel 200 via aside door 214 in the side member 210 of the temperature-controlledreceiving tunnel 200. The temperature-controlled receiving tunnel 200can optionally include a platform 322 having stairs and/or a railenabling the user to reach the door 214.

The receiving trailer can include a set of cooling devices. In thisexample, the set of cooling devices (cooling units) include a firstcooling unit 602, a second cooling unit 604 and/or a third cooling unit606. In other examples, the receiving tunnel can include a singlecooling unit, two cooling units, as well as four or more cooling units.

In other examples, the receiving tunnel includes a set of wheels whichenables the receiving tunnel to be portable for easytransport/relocation. The receiving trailer in some examples is built ona trailer chassis which enables it to be moved easily from one locationto another.

In still other examples, the receiving trailer is hardwired into thereceiving facility to receive electricity for powering/operating thecooling units and other electronic devices on the receiving tunnel.Thus, the receiving tunnel does not require fuel or a generator tooperate.

FIG. 7 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a delivery truck 114connected to a receiving tunnel 200 via a docking device 116. A user canmanually move pallets and/or other items from the delivery truck throughthe docking device into the temperature-controlled receiving tunnel 200.

In other examples, an automatic pallet loader can autonomously move thepallets/items into the receiving tunnel. Post-delivery ofnon-refrigerated product, the autonomous pallet loader (pallet jack)unloads product into the receiving facility (store), deactivatesreceiving facility alarms, opens door to receiving facility and movesitems into the receiving facility automatically.

In some examples, the receiving tunnel is a fifty-three-foot-longtrailer. In other examples, the receiving tunnel is between forty andfifty feet long. In still other non-limiting examples, the receivingtunnel is fifty-three feet long.

FIG. 8 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a receiving tunnel 200having a side door 214 and platform 322 connected to a delivery truck114 via a docking device 116. The delivery truck backs up to thereceiving tunnel and connects to the back of the receiving tunnel viathe docking device.

FIG. 9 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a receiving tunnel 200including a set of bulkheads separating a set of temperature-controlledzones. In this example, a pallet 902 can be moved from the deliverytruck into one of the temperature-controlled zones. In this non-limitingexample, a first zone 908 and a second zone 910 are created via thebulkhead 904. A third zone is created by the bulkhead 906. The bulkheadscan fold up into the ceiling/top member of the receiving tunnel. In thisexample, each zone can be maintained at a different temperature.

The set of temperature-controlled zones includes three zones. In otherexamples, the set of temperature-controlled zones includes a singletemperature-controlled zone using no bulkheads, twotemperature-controlled zones using two bulkheads, as well as four ormore zones.

FIG. 10 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a receiving tunnel102 including an extension device 230 for connecting to an unaligneddelivery truck 114 or the delivery truck 120 at a receiving facility.The extension device 230 extends and bends to attach to the back of thedelivery truck. The extension device can move sideways/laterally toreach the back door of delivery trucks.

When the door 1002 on the delivery truck is opened and the door 212 onthe receiving tunnel is open, the extension device creates a flexibleand collapsible tunnel connecting the delivery truck with the receivingtunnel for unloading of items off the truck and into the receivingtunnel. If the other the door 226 of the receiving facility is open andthe unloading door of the receiving tunnel is also open, the itemsinside the receiving tunnel can be moved smoothly and easily into thereceiving facility 106. The receiving tunnel backs-up to the receivingfacility (store) dock. The receiving trailer provides storage forfacilities that do not have special, sectioned off deliveryareas/storage areas for drop-off of deliveries.

After unloading of the first delivery truck 114 is complete, theextension device 230 can detach from the delivery truck 114 and attachto the waiting delivery truck 120. The extension device 230 in thisnon-limiting example can connect to the delivery truck 120 withoutrequiring the delivery truck to move or connect in perfect alignmentwith the delivery truck 120.

In one non-limiting example, the last twelve feet of the extensiondevice on one end is on a turntable which turns one-hundred and twentydegrees so it can turn and aim towards a trailer/delivery truck on theleft and then a trailer/delivery truck on the right to unload multipledeliveries side by side. The flexible accordion piece can be hinged onthe bottom enabling the end of the extension device to move forward tothe top of the delivery trailer.

FIG. 11 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a system 1100 for anadjustable temperature-controlled receiving tunnel 200. In thisnon-limiting example, the temperature-controlled receiving tunnel 200includes a communications interface component which enables thetemperature-controlled receiving tunnel 200 to send and receive data viaa network 1102.

The network 1102 is implemented by one or more physical networkcomponents, such as, but without limitation, routers, switches, networkinterface cards (NICs), and other network devices. The network 1102 isany type of network for enabling communications with remote computingdevices, such as, but not limited to, a local area network (LAN), asubnet, a wide area network (WAN), a wireless (Wi-Fi) network, or anyother type of network. In this example, the network 1102 is a WAN, suchas the Internet. However, in other examples, the network 1102 is a localor private LAN.

The temperature-controlled receiving tunnel 200 can send data to one ormore other devices via the network 1102 and/or receive data from one ormore other devices via the network, such as, but not limited to, a userdevice 1104, a cloud server 1106 and/or a set of sensor devices 314. Auser device 1104 represent any device executing computer-executableinstructions. The user device 1104 can be implemented as a mobilecomputing device, such as, but not limited to, a wearable computingdevice, a mobile telephone, laptop, tablet, computing pad, netbook,gaming device, and/or any other portable device. The user device 1104includes at least one processor and a memory. The user device 1104 canalso include a user interface component.

The cloud server 1106 is a logical server providing services to thetemperature-controlled receiving tunnel 200 or other clients, such as,but not limited to, the user device 1104. The cloud server 1106 ishosted and/or delivered via the network 1102. In some non-limitingexamples, the cloud server 1106 is associated with one or more physicalservers in one or more data centers. In other examples, the cloud server1106 is associated with a distributed network of servers.

In some examples, the receiving tunnel system communicates with thecloud server 1106 to obtain trailer location data, temperature data,weather data, inventory data, etc. The trailer system uses the data tocontrol trailer cooling, etc.

The set of sensor devices 314 in this example includes one or moresensor devices associated with the temperature-controlled receivingtunnel 200. In other examples, the set of sensor devices 314 can alsoinclude one or more sensor devices inside the interior compartment ofthe temperature-controlled receiving tunnel 200. The set of sensordevices 314 can also include one or more sensor devices associated withthe door of the temperature-controlled receiving tunnel 200, the palletloader and/or the collapsible docking device. In an example scenario,the sensors are located on the top and sides around the loading doorleading into the interior of the receiving tunnel. The sensors scanmultiple sides of the items brought in through the door.

In some examples, the set of sensor devices 314 generates sensor dataassociated with items, such as a set of pallets 1110 moved from thestorage area 1112 of the delivery truck 114 and placed inside thetemperature-controlled receiving tunnel 200. The set of pallets 1110 inthis example are moved manually by a driver 1114 or other personnel. Inother examples, the pallet(s) are moved by an autonomous pallet loader(pallet jack).

FIG. 12 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a set of sensordevices 314 associated with a temperature-controlled receiving tunnel.The set of sensor devices 314 can include a set of one or more scanners1202 generating scan data 1204 associated with items in the receivingtunnel. The set of scanners can include barcode scanners, universalproduct code (UPC) readers, matrix barcode readers, or any other type ofscanner.

The set of sensor devices optionally includes a set of radio frequencyidentification (RFID) tag readers 1206. The RFID tag readers generateRFID tag data 1208 associated with one or more RFID tags on one or moreof the items in the receiving tunnel.

The set of sensor devices can include a set of weight sensors 1210. Theset of weight sensors 1210 generate weight data 1212 associated with oneor more items inside the receiving tunnel. In one example, the weightdata is used to identify items in the receiving tunnel. The weighttunnel can also be used to generate a load map for pallets/items in thereceiving tunnel. The receiving tunnel system weighs the pallets tobalance the weight of the load in the receiving tunnel.

A set of temperature sensors 1214 includes one or more temperaturesensor devices. The set of temperature sensors 1214 generate temperaturedata associated with the interior temperature of the receiving tunneland/or the ambient (exterior) temperature outside the receiving tunnel.

The set of sensor devices 314 can optionally also include LIDAR 1218.LIDAR 1218 can be used during docking procedures to assist the driver ofa delivery truck with connecting to the receiving tunnel. The LIDAR 1218data can also be used to generate instructions to assist the driver withconnecting to the receiving tunnel.

One or more hygrometer(s) 1220 can be included to generate temperaturedata associated with the humidity inside the receiving tunnel and/or thehumidity outside the receiving tunnel.

Motion detector(s) 1222 in some examples are included on the receivingtunnel to assist with docking procedures and/or generating instructionsto assist the driver with connecting to the receiving tunnel.

The set of sensor devices 314 in other examples can include one or morebiometric sensor(s) 1224. In some examples, one or more locks on one ormore doors on the receiving tunnel include a biometric sensor forunlocking the door.

The set of sensor devices 314 in other examples includes a set of imagecapture devices 1226, such as camera(s) and/or infrared sensors. Theimage capture devices 1226 generate image data 1228 associated withitems placed into the receiving tunnel, a delivery truck attempting todock with the receiving tunnel and/or a driver or pallet jack movingitems/pallets into or out of the receiving tunnel.

FIG. 13 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating operation of the controldevice to manage cooling of temperature-controlled zones. The process inFIG. 13 is implemented by a temperature manager component executing on acontrol device associated with a receiving tunnel, such as, but notlimited to, the control device 324 in FIG. 3.

The process begins by analyzing delivery data and temperature data at1302. The temperature manager component generates a predicted coolingtime at 1304. The temperature manager component calculates a coolinginitiation time at 1306. The temperature manager component determineswhether the cooling initiation time is reached at 1308. If yes, thetemperature manager component begins cooling the selected zone at 1310.The process terminates thereafter.

While the operations illustrated in FIG. 13 are performed by a computingdevice, aspects of the disclosure contemplate performance of theoperations by other entities. In a non-limiting example, a cloud serviceperforms one or more of the operations.

FIG. 14 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating operation of thecomputing device to generate docking instructions to assist a driverwith docking to the receiving tunnel. The process in FIG. 13 isimplemented by a guidance system executing on a control deviceassociated with a receiving tunnel, such as, but not limited to, thecontrol device 324 in FIG. 3.

The process begins by analyzing sensor data at 1402. The guidance systemdetermines if the delivery truck is aligned with the receiving tunnel at1404. If no, the guidance system generates docking instructions at 1406.The guidance system transmits instructions to the user interface deviceassociated with the driver of the delivery truck at 1408. The guidancesystem determines if docking is complete at 1410. If yes, the processterminates thereafter.

Additional Examples

In some examples, a receiving “reefer” tunnel is provided which has dualends permitting passthrough access from a delivery truck to the interiorof the receiving tunnel through to the interior of the receivingfacility. In other words, the receiving tunnel acts as a receiving dockduring the receiving facility's open (working) hours. The receivingtunnel can also act as an overflow area for temporary storage of itemsduring open hours. This provides an additional staging area or storagefor items for early (unexpected) deliveries, late deliveries, deliverieswhile the receiving facility is short-staffed, during power-outage, whenthe receiving facility storage area is at capacity, after-hours, or anyother time a temporary or additional storage is required. The receivingtunnel can also be used to improve DC efficiency and increase storagecapacity at a DC or other storage facility.

The receiving tunnel permits delivery of products withoutintervention/assistance of store personnel. A delivery truck driver canback-up to the receiving tunnel to connect to it. The receiving tunnelhas parking/docking guidance system for driver assistance that measuresthe distance between the backing trailer of the delivery truck and thedocking device for the receiving tunnel. The system communicates to thedriver and provides instructional help to make it easier to back thedelivery truck into the dock.

In some non-limiting examples, the driver of the delivery truck onlyraises his/her trailer door and initiates the unload procedure. Thereceiving tunnel autonomously does the rest with an onboard autonomouspallet jack or pallet mover. The receiving tunnel downloads dailydelivery schedules to anticipate refrigeration start and stop times.

In other examples, the system utilizes GPS to locate deliverytrucks/loads and calculates delivery times to anticipate refrigerationstart and stop times. The system updates perpetual inventory informationand finalizes deliveries by using cameras, scanners, and sensors toidentify invoice data on each pallet moved into the receiving tunnel.The receiving tunnel turns on refrigeration/freezer zones based onanticipated delivery information and GPS data transmitted by thedelivery truck. Sensor devices read barcodes on pallets/delivered itemsusing a scanner, camera, or other sensors to determine which pallets gointo which zones inside the receiving tunnel.

In another example, the system analyzes truck delivery data andinventory data to determine whether a pallet is for a store/receivingfacility at the receiving truck's location or for a facility at anotherlocation (different store). The system determines which temperature zonea pallet/item should be assigned based on cold-chain compliancerequirements for the item(s). The system understands which items are oneach pallet, pulls inventory and other item metrics to determine whichpallets have the most need to be stocked into the receiving facilityfirst and/or arranges pallets with the highest priority closest to thereceiving facility (store) receiving door to be unloaded first.

In an example scenario, as pallets are taken off a delivery truck, thereceiving trailer system scans pallets, pulls invoice data andidentifies what is on each pallet. The artificial intelligence (machinelearning) checks store inventory to determine which items are out ofstock or low in stock. The system places those items which are low ininventory or out (highest priority to be restocked) in a location orzone which is closest to the door adjacent to the receiving facilitydoor to be pulled out of the receiving tunnel first and restocked first.

In yet another example, a driverless delivery truck communicates withthe receiving tunnel to automatically dock with the loading-end of thereceiving tunnel. The driverless delivery truck systems communicate withthe guidance system to align with the receiving tunnel and connect tothe dock.

In other examples, an autonomous pallet loader (pallet jack) on thedelivery truck automatically moves the pallets/items from the truck ontothe receiving tunnel. In other examples, an autonomous pallet loader inthe receiving facility assists with moving pallets/items into thereceiving facility.

Alternatively, or in addition to the other examples described herein,examples include any combination of the following:

-   -   a platform;    -   a door associated with the first side member;    -   a biometric lock associated with the door;    -   an extension device associated with the first end of the main        body, the extension device comprising a flexible extension        device and a turntable configured to rotate within a        one-hundred- and twenty-degree range;    -   wherein the extension device connects to an end of the delivery        truck which is unaligned with the first end of the main body;    -   a guidance system, implemented on at least one processor, that        analyzes sensor data associated with a location of the end of        the delivery truck and outputs instructions assisting a driver        of the delivery truck with connecting to the collapsible docking        device;    -   an adjustable docking device associated with a first end of the        main body, the adjustable docking device removably connecting        the receiving tunnel with the delivery truck;    -   a set of sensor devices within the interior compartment        generating sensor data associated with a set of pallets within        the interior compartment;    -   a pneumatic lift configured to self-level at least a portion of        the main body based on a height of the delivery truck attempting        to dock with the receiving tunnel;    -   an inventory component, implemented on the at least one        processor, updates perpetual inventory associated with a        receiving facility;    -   wherein the perpetual inventory is updated to include a set of        items unloaded off the delivery truck and placed within the        receiving tunnel;    -   a set of weight sensors associated with the floor member,        wherein the set of weight sensors generates weight data        associated with a set of pallets within at least one zone of the        interior compartment;    -   a map generation component, implemented on the at least one        processor, generates a load map organizing placement of items        within an interior compartment of the receiving tunnel for        prioritized unloading based on delivery schedules, delivery        inventory, and perpetual inventory of a receiving facility        associated with the receiving tunnel, wherein the load map        provides a placement configuration for placement of items within        the interior compartment of the receiving tunnel;    -   a control device comprising at least one processor        communicatively coupled to a memory;    -   a temperature manager component, implemented on the at least one        processor, analyzes dynamic truck delivery data and ambient        temperature data to generate a predicted cooling time and a        cooling initiation time, the predicted cooling time comprising        an estimated quantity of time after cooling initiation to reach        a target temperature for a set of pallets within a selected zone        in a set of temperature-controlled zones within a receiving        tunnel;    -   an adjustable docking device associated with a first end of the        main body, the adjustable docking device configured to connect        to an end of a delivery truck associated with an unloading door        of the delivery truck, the adjustable docking device connecting        the receiving tunnel with the delivery truck;    -   an autonomous pallet loader associated with the interior        compartment autonomously moves a set of pallets from a storage        area within the delivery truck connected to the collapsible        docking device into at least one temperature-controlled zone        within the interior compartment of the main body;    -   docking instructions assisting a driver of the delivery truck        with connecting to a docking device;    -   an extension device associated with the first end of the main        body, the extension device comprising a flexible sleeve and a        turntable configured to rotate within a one-hundred and twenty        degree range, wherein the extension device connects to an end of        the delivery truck which is unaligned with the first end of the        main body;    -   a set of adjustable bulkheads associated with the top member, at        least one adjustable bulkhead in the set of adjustable bulkheads        drops down to create a set of temperature-controlled zones        within the interior compartment;    -   an access component, implemented on the at least one processor,        opens a door associated with a receiving facility and initiate        autonomous unloading of a set of items from the receiving tunnel        into the receiving facility;    -   a first aperture associated with the first end of the main body        connecting the interior compartment of the receiving tunnel with        an interior storage area of the delivery truck; and    -   a second aperture associated with the second end of the main        body connecting the interior compartment of the receiving tunnel        with an interior of a receiving facility, wherein the second        aperture is configured to permit transport of items from the        interior compartment of the receiving tunnel into the interior        of the receiving facility.

At least a portion of the functionality of the various elements in FIG.1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, FIG. 8, FIG. 9, FIG.10, FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 can be performed by other elements in FIG. 1,FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, FIG. 8, FIG. 9, FIG. 10,FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, or an entity (e.g., processor 404, web service,server, application program, computing device, etc.) not shown in FIG.1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, FIG. 8, FIG. 9, FIG.10, FIG. 11 and FIG. 12.

In some examples, the operations illustrated in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 canbe implemented as software instructions encoded on a computer-readablemedium, in hardware programmed or designed to perform the operations, orboth. For example, aspects of the disclosure can be implemented as asystem on a chip or other circuitry including a plurality ofinterconnected, electrically conductive elements.

In other examples, a computer readable medium having instructionsrecorded thereon which when executed by a computer device cause thecomputer device to cooperate in performing a method of ***, the methodcomprising ****.

While the aspects of the disclosure have been described in terms ofvarious examples with their associated operations, a person skilled inthe art would appreciate that a combination of operations from anynumber of different examples is also within scope of the aspects of thedisclosure.

The term “Wi-Fi” as used herein refers, in some examples, to a wirelesslocal area network using high frequency radio signals for thetransmission of data. The term “BLUETOOTH®” as used herein refers, insome examples, to a wireless technology standard for exchanging dataover short distances using short wavelength radio transmission. The term“cellular” as used herein refers, in some examples, to a wirelesscommunication system using short-range radio stations that, when joinedtogether, enable the transmission of data over a wide geographic area.The term “NFC” as used herein refers, in some examples, to a short-rangehigh frequency wireless communication technology for the exchange ofdata over short distances.

Exemplary Operating Environment

Exemplary computer-readable media include flash memory drives, digitalversatile discs (DVDs), compact discs (CDs), floppy disks, and tapecassettes. By way of example and not limitation, computer-readable mediacomprise computer storage media and communication media. Computerstorage media include volatile and nonvolatile, removable, andnon-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storageof information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures,program modules and the like. Computer storage media are tangible andmutually exclusive to communication media. Computer storage media areimplemented in hardware and exclude carrier waves and propagatedsignals. Computer storage media for purposes of this disclosure are notsignals per se. Exemplary computer storage media include hard disks,flash drives, and other solid-state memory. In contrast, communicationmedia typically embody computer-readable instructions, data structures,program modules, or the like, in a modulated data signal such as acarrier wave or other transport mechanism and include any informationdelivery media.

Although described in connection with an exemplary computing systemenvironment, examples of the disclosure are capable of implementationwith numerous other general purpose or special purpose computing systemenvironments, configurations, or devices.

Examples of well-known computing systems, environments, and/orconfigurations that can be suitable for use with aspects of thedisclosure include, but are not limited to, mobile computing devices,personal computers, server computers, hand-held or laptop devices,multiprocessor systems, gaming consoles, microprocessor-based systems,set top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, mobile telephones,mobile computing and/or communication devices in wearable or accessoryform factors (e.g., watches, glasses, headsets, or earphones), networkPCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, distributed computingenvironments that include any of the above systems or devices, and thelike. Such systems or devices can accept input from the user in any way,including from input devices such as a keyboard or pointing device, viagesture input, proximity input (such as by hovering), and/or via voiceinput.

Examples of the disclosure can be described in the general context ofcomputer-executable instructions, such as program modules, executed byone or more computers or other devices in software, firmware, hardware,or a combination thereof. The computer-executable instructions can beorganized into one or more computer-executable components or modules.Generally, program modules include, but are not limited to, routines,programs, objects, components, and data structures that perform tasks orimplement abstract data types. Aspects of the disclosure can beimplemented with any number and organization of such components ormodules. For example, aspects of the disclosure are not limited to thespecific computer-executable instructions or the specific components ormodules illustrated in the figures and described herein. Other examplesof the disclosure can include different computer-executable instructionsor components having more functionality or less functionality thanillustrated and described herein.

In examples involving a general-purpose computer, aspects of thedisclosure transform the general-purpose computer into a special-purposecomputing device when configured to execute the instructions describedherein.

The examples illustrated and described herein as well as examples notspecifically described herein but within the scope of aspects of thedisclosure constitute exemplary means for managing a receiving tunnel.For example, the elements illustrated in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4,FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, FIG. 8, FIG. 9, FIG. 10, FIG. 11 and FIG. 12,such as when encoded to perform the operations illustrated in FIG. 13and FIG. 14, constitute exemplary means for adjusting temperature withina set of zones and generating guidance instructions to assist a deliverytruck with docking to the receiving tunnel.

Other non-limiting examples provide one or more computer storage deviceshaving a first computer-executable instructions stored thereon forproviding instructions to a delivery truck and controlling a set ofcooling units associated with temperature-controlled zones within areceiving tunnel.

The order of execution or performance of the operations in examples ofthe disclosure illustrated and described herein is not essential, unlessotherwise specified. That is, the operations can be performed in anyorder, unless otherwise specified, and examples of the disclosure caninclude additional or fewer operations than those disclosed herein. Forexample, it is contemplated that executing or performing an operationbefore, contemporaneously with, or after another operation is within thescope of aspects of the disclosure.

When introducing elements of aspects of the disclosure or the examplesthereof, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to meanthat there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,”“including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean thatthere can be additional elements other than the listed elements. Theterm “exemplary” is intended to mean “an example of.” The phrase “one ormore of the following: A, B, and C” means “at least one of A and/or atleast one of B and/or at least one of C.”

In an exemplary embodiment, one or more of the exemplary embodimentsinclude one or more localized Internet of Things (IoT) devices andcontrollers. As a result, in an exemplary embodiment, the localized IoTdevices and controllers can perform most, if not all, of thecomputational load and associated monitoring and then later asynchronousuploading of summary data can be performed by a designated one of theIoT devices to a remote server. In this manner, the computational effortof the overall system can be reduced significantly. For example,whenever localized monitoring allows remote transmission, secondaryutilization of controllers keeps securing data for other IoT devices andpermits periodic asynchronous uploading of the summary data to theremote server. In addition, in an exemplary embodiment, the periodicasynchronous uploading of summary data can include a key kernel indexsummary of the data as created under nominal conditions. In an exemplaryembodiment, the kernel encodes relatively recently acquired intermittentdata (“KRI”). As a result, in an exemplary embodiment, KRI includes acontinuously utilized near term source of data, but KRI can be discardeddepending upon the degree to which such KRI has any value based on localprocessing and evaluation of such KRI. In an exemplary embodiment, KRImay not even be utilized in any form if it is determined that KRI istransient and can be considered as signal noise. Furthermore, in anexemplary embodiment, the kernel rejects generic data to provide amodified kernel (“KRG”) by filtering incoming raw data using astochastic filter that thereby provides a predictive model of one ormore future states of the system and can thereby filter out data that isnot consistent with the modeled future states which can, for example,reflect generic background data. In an exemplary embodiment, KRGincrementally sequences all future undefined cached kernels of data tofilter out data that can reflect generic background data. In anexemplary embodiment, KRG further incrementally sequences all futureundefined cached kernels having encoded asynchronous data to filter outdata that can reflect generic background data.

Having described aspects of the disclosure in detail, it will beapparent that modifications and variations are possible withoutdeparting from the scope of aspects of the disclosure as defined in theappended claims. As various changes could be made in the aboveconstructions, products, and methods without departing from the scope ofaspects of the disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained inthe above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall beinterpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system providing a temperature-controlledreceiving tunnel, the system comprising: a main body comprising a firstend, a second end, a first side member, a second side member, a topmember, and a floor member; a set of cooling devices associated with thetop member configured to adjust an internal temperature of an interiorcompartment within the main body; a set of adjustable bulkheadsassociated with the top member, at least one adjustable bulkhead in theset of adjustable bulkheads drops down to create a set oftemperature-controlled zones within the interior compartment; a controldevice comprising at least one processor communicatively coupled to amemory; a temperature manager component, implemented on the at least oneprocessor, analyzes dynamic truck delivery data and ambient temperaturedata to generate a predicted cooling time and a cooling initiation time,the predicted cooling time comprising an estimated quantity of timeafter cooling initiation to reach a target temperature for a set ofpallets within a selected zone in the set of temperature-controlledzones; a first door associated with the first end of the main body; adocking device associated with the first end of the main body, thedocking device configured to connect to an end of a delivery truck; andan autonomous pallet loader associated with the interior compartmentautonomously moves the set of pallets into at least onetemperature-controlled zone within the interior compartment of the mainbody.
 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a platform; a doorassociated with the first side member; and a biometric lock associatedwith the door.
 3. The system of claim 1, further comprising: anextension device associated with the first end of the main body, theextension device comprising a turntable configured to rotate within aone-hundred-and twenty-degree range, wherein the extension deviceconnects to an end of the delivery truck which is unaligned with thefirst end of the main body.
 4. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising: a guidance system, implemented on at least one processor,that analyzes sensor data associated with a location of the end of thedelivery truck and outputs instructions assisting a driver of thedelivery truck with connecting to the docking device.
 5. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising: a set of sensor devices within the interiorcompartment generating sensor data associated with the set of palletswithin the interior compartment.
 6. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising: a pneumatic lift configured to self-level at least a portionof the main body based on a height of the delivery truck.
 7. The systemof claim 1, further comprising: an inventory component, implemented onthe at least one processor, updates perpetual inventory associated witha receiving facility, wherein the perpetual inventory is updated toinclude a set of items unloaded off the delivery truck and placed withthe temperature-controlled receiving tunnel.
 8. The system of claim 1,further comprising: a set of weight sensors associated with the floormember, wherein the set of weight sensors generates weight dataassociated with the set of pallets within at least one zone of theinterior compartment.
 9. The system of claim 1, further comprising: amap generation component, implemented on the at least one processor,generates a load map organizing placement of items within the interiorcompartment of the temperature-controlled receiving tunnel forprioritized unloading based on delivery schedules, delivery inventory,and perpetual inventory of a receiving facility associated with thetemperature-controlled receiving tunnel, wherein the load map provides aplacement configuration for placement of items within the interiorcompartment of the temperature-controlled receiving tunnel.
 10. Atemperature-controlled receiving tunnel comprising: a set of coolingdevices associated with a top member of the temperature-controlledreceiving tunnel configured to adjust an internal temperature of aninterior compartment within the interior compartment; a control devicecomprising at least one processor communicatively coupled to a memory; atemperature manager component, implemented on the at least oneprocessor, analyzes dynamic truck delivery data and ambient temperaturedata to generate a predicted cooling time and a cooling initiation time,the predicted cooling time comprising an estimated quantity of timeafter cooling initiation to reach a target temperature for a set ofpallets within a selected zone in a set of temperature-controlled zoneswithin the temperature-controlled receiving tunnel; a set of sensordevices associated with the interior compartment of thetemperature-controlled receiving tunnel; a guidance system, implementedon the at least one processor, analyzes sensor data associated with alocation of an end of a delivery truck to generate docking instructions;and an adjustable docking device associated with a first end of thetemperature-controlled receiving tunnel, the adjustable docking deviceremovably connecting the temperature-controlled receiving tunnel withthe delivery truck.
 11. The temperature-controlled receiving tunnel ofclaim 10, further comprising: an autonomous pallet loader associatedwith the interior compartment autonomously moves the set of pallets froma storage area within the delivery truck connected to the adjustabledocking device into at least one temperature-controlled zone within theinterior compartment.
 12. The temperature-controlled receiving tunnel ofclaim 10, further comprising: an extension device associated with thefirst end of the temperature-controlled receiving tunnel, the extensiondevice comprising a turntable configured to rotate within a one-hundredand twenty degree range, wherein the extension device connects to an endof the delivery truck which is unaligned with the first end of thetemperature-controlled receiving tunnel.
 13. The temperature-controlledreceiving tunnel of claim 10, further comprising: an inventorycomponent, implemented on the at least one processor, updates perpetualinventory associated with a receiving facility associated with thetemperature-controlled receiving tunnel, wherein the perpetual inventoryis updated to include a set of items unloaded off the delivery truck andplaced within the temperature-controlled receiving tunnel.
 14. Thetemperature-controlled receiving tunnel of claim 10, further comprising:a map generation component, implemented on the at least one processor,generates a load map organizing placement of items within the interiorcompartment of the temperature-controlled receiving tunnel forprioritized unloading based on delivery schedules, delivery inventory,cold-chain compliance for items and perpetual inventory of a receivingfacility associated with the temperature-controlled receiving tunnel,wherein the load map provides a placement configuration for placement ofitems within the interior compartment of the temperature-controlledreceiving tunnel.
 15. The temperature-controlled receiving tunnel ofclaim 10, further comprising: a set of adjustable bulkheads associatedwith the top member, at least one adjustable bulkhead in the set ofadjustable bulkheads drops down to create a set oftemperature-controlled zones within the interior compartment.
 16. Thetemperature-controlled receiving tunnel of claim 10, further comprising:an access component, implemented on the at least one processor, opens adoor associated with a receiving facility and initiate autonomousunloading of a set of items from the temperature-controlled receivingtunnel into the receiving facility.
 17. A receiving tunnel comprising: amain body comprising a first end, a second end, a first side member, asecond side member, a top member, and a floor member; a set of coolingdevices associated with the top member configured to adjust an internaltemperature of an interior compartment within the main body; a set ofadjustable bulkheads associated with the top member, at least oneadjustable bulkhead in the set of adjustable bulkheads drops down tocreate a set of temperature-controlled zones within the interiorcompartment; a docking device associated with first end of the main bodyconfigured to connect to an end of a delivery truck; a pneumatic liftconfigured to self-level at least a portion of the main body based on aheight of the delivery truck; a set of sensor devices associated withthe interior compartment generating sensor data associated with at leastone item within the main body; and a first aperture associated with thefirst end of the main body connecting the interior compartment of thereceiving tunnel with an interior storage area of the delivery truck.18. The receiving tunnel of claim 17, further comprising: an autonomouspallet loader associated with the interior compartment autonomouslymoves a set of pallets from a storage area within the delivery truckconnected to the docking device into at least one temperature-controlledzone within the interior compartment of the main body.
 19. The receivingtunnel of claim 17, further comprising: an extension device associatedwith the first end of the main body, the extension device comprising aflexible sleeve and a turntable configured to rotate within aone-hundred and twenty degree range, wherein the extension deviceconnects to an end of the delivery truck which is unaligned with thefirst end of the main body.
 20. The receiving tunnel of claim 17,further comprising: a second aperture associated with the second end ofthe main body connecting the interior compartment of the receivingtunnel with an interior of a receiving facility, wherein the secondaperture is configured to permit transport of items from the interiorcompartment of the receiving tunnel into the interior of the receivingfacility.